Tabita Valentini works as an administrator for Child Evangelism Fellowship in Serbia.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian family, and attending church with my parents and relatives was always a joyful part of my life. I loved taking part in various activities, such as camps and conferences, which helped me grow in my faith. When I was twelve, I made a special decision to accept Jesus as my personal Saviour. One memorable moment was during a church conference when I heard that a relationship with God is a personal choice, not something we inherit from our parents. That message truly touched my heart, and I felt a strong desire for Jesus to become my Saviour too. I decided to surrender my life to Him and let Him guide me on my journey.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
When I was younger, my faith was deeply influenced by participating in ministry. I learned a lot from working alongside older, more experienced people, gaining valuable insights through our shared service. Reflecting now, I realise these experiences—the various ministries, challenges, and lessons—were preparing me for something greater. They shaped my path toward joining a missionary organisation and later moving across the country to serve on a mission. Although I didn't always see the full picture at the time, God was guiding and weaving everything together.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
A number of people from the organisation I work with have already participated in the Forum and shared their positive experiences, emphasising how beneficial the Forum was for their personal and spiritual growth, as well as for clearer involvement in ministry. In addition, I often heard about ELF in my local church from people who had previously attended the Forum. They described it as a valuable and encouraging experience that helped them better understand their gifts, grow personally, and find more meaningful ways to serve.
What is your ministry?
I work full-time with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Serbia. I manage finances and administrative tasks—mainly ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so the ministry can fulfil its calling. However, I also get the opportunity to engage directly in ministry with children when necessary, whether at camps or outreach events. That practical experience is always invigorating. At our local church, I'm quite involved in the worship ministry, and I also occasionally assist with children's work.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I've had the opportunity to serve in leadership in various ways over the years. I've led camps and volunteered with Operation Christmas Child as a regional team leader. At the church where I grew up, I served as a worship leader for many years. That involved not just leading from the platform but working closely with the team to plan services spiritually and to create space for worship. Those years truly shaped my perspective on leadership and ministry.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I'm seeking a deeper understanding of how church leadership and development work together. I truly enjoy using my talents and gifts for God’s glory and to help people find answers about life, faith, and God. I am eagerly looking forward to the European Leadership Forum and pray that it will equip me with a biblical foundation, practical leadership tools, and meaningful relationships necessary to serve our church and community more effectively. The area where we live is heavily influenced by traditional Orthodox Christians who believe that faith and eternal life are inherited automatically when you are Orthodox, and often, we need wisdom on how to speak with people who believe they are Christians but whose lives are very far from the Lord.
